5 Ways To Say Goodbye to Bacterial Vaginosis, Your One-Stop Guide
Feminine care is treated as taboo but the stigma needs to drop. Light must be shed on this subject so women can separate fact from fiction and learn to feel comfortable in their bodies.
This is especially true of bacterial vaginosis (BV), which is coated in shame and embarrassment. The truth is that it's a normal part of life and most women will experience it at least once in their lifetime.
That said, let’s say goodbye to the social stigma and open a healthy dialogue about women’s bodies with education at the forefront.
Biobalance believes that a healthy understanding of our bodies leads to harmonious health, and we strive to achieve this for everyone.
This article explains what BV is and how to keep it at bay.
What is bacterial vaginosis (BV)?
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a common vaginal condition that occurs when there's an imbalance of naturally occurring bacterial flora.
Typically caused by an overgrowth of anaerobic bacteria, BV is not classified as a sexually transmitted infection but can increase susceptibility to it.
Symptoms may include an unusual vaginal discharge with a strong fishy odour, though some women may not experience any noticeable symptoms. Diagnosis usually involves a gynaecological examination and testing of vaginal secretions, while treatment typically includes prescribed antibiotics.
Does BV need to be treated?
Although BV is not harmful, it can lead to more serious conditions, so seeking treatment as early as possible is vital.
For example, if untreated it can cause pelvic inflammatory disease, and vaginal irritation which can affect fertility. In pregnant women, untreated BV can increase the risk of preterm delivery or low birth weight for the baby, so it is important to maintain a healthy flora and have regular checkups, particularly if you notice undesirable changes.
Some women experience anxiety and low self-esteem when they notice BV symptoms. Women have often described feeling like BV caused a dent in their sense of femininity and hygiene, but actually, it is easily brought about even with high standards of hygiene.
Understanding Bacterial Vaginosis
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a multifaceted condition primarily caused by an imbalance in the vaginal microbiota. In a healthy vaginal environment, lactobacilli bacteria predominate, creating an acidic environment that inhibits the growth of harmful microorganisms.
However, when the balance is disrupted, leading to a decrease in lactobacilli, anaerobic bacteria thrive, resulting in BV. Various factors can contribute to this imbalance, including hormonal changes, certain contraceptive use, smoking, and frequent douching.
Douching is the practice of washing or flushing the vagina with water or other fluids. Some women use a pump-like device to fill the vaginal cavity with water, often mixed with vinegar or bicarbonate of soda to kill bacteria, before flushing. Unfortunately, this practice does more harm than good because it disrupts the vaginal flora, a sensitive environment.
Although BV is not directly linked to hygiene, maintaining good overall health practices and being mindful of one's body can reduce the risk of developing it.
Recognising the symptoms
If you are experiencing symptoms of concern, it is important to seek timely medical assistance to ensure correct diagnosis and early treatment. There can be an overlap between BV symptoms and other sinister conditions, so timing is key.
The most prevalent symptom is an unusual vaginal discharge, which is often thin and greyish-white in colour. This discharge is typically accompanied by a strong, fishy odour that may become more pronounced after intercourse.
Vaginal irritation is another possible symptom, although it occurs less frequently. Some women might experience a burning sensation during urination. It's important to recognise that these particular symptoms can resemble those of other infections, such as yeast infections or sexually transmitted infections. That’s why accurate diagnosis from a healthcare provider is crucial for appropriate treatment.
Now, let's consider simple steps to protect yourself against BV. As they say, an ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure.
Step-1 - Maintain Good Personal Hygiene and overall health
Maintaining good personal hygiene is vital in managing bacterial vaginosis (BV) and promoting overall vaginal health. Regular cleansing with warm water and mild, unscented soap can help maintain the vagina's natural pH balance.
It's important to avoid the use of scented products, such as perfumed soaps, sprays, and douches, as these can disrupt the healthy bacteria in the vaginal environment and lead to
imbalances. Diluted tea tree oil and boric acid solutions are commonly used to treat bacterial overgrowth. They are natural alternatives to soap, but make sure to get low-concentration, unscented options to avoid burning or irritation.
Wearing breathable cotton underwear and changing it daily also aids in keeping the area dry and reduces the risk of infection caused by bacteria overgrowth.
During menstruation, it is advisable to frequently change sanitary products, whether pads or tampons, to prevent bacterial growth. Remember, the longer you leave them, the more time unfriendly bacteria have to populate. Also, after using the toilet, always wipe from front to back to prevent any contamination from the rectum.
Additionally, adopting healthy lifestyle habits, such as quitting smoking and exercising frequently can make a huge impact on vaginal health, particularly with BV.
Studies show that smoking can have a direct impact on the vaginal flora. Smoking reduces oestrogen, which helps regulate and promote the growth of Lactobacilli, the beneficial bacteria that help maintain a healthy vaginal pH. The harsh chemicals in tobacco are also believed to kill Lactobacilli and create a more alkaline environment, which prevents their growth making it easier for bad bacteria to flourish.
Overall, smoking is bad for your vagina and wider health.
Regular but moderate exercise is good for overall health and immunity, but prolonged workouts in tight clothing should be avoided. This is because sweating and exercises that cause chaffing can irritate the vagina and create an environment ripe for bacterial overgrowth. Some women who exercise intensely associate sweating with a greater need to clean their vaginas more thoroughly, and use products and practices (like douching) that disrupt the sensitive environment.
Step-2 Probiotics and Diet
A healthy diet is essential for overall health, including vaginal health. High sugar intake has been linked to an increased risk of vaginal yeast infections, as studies monitoring individuals with diabetes show a higher prevalence of candida infections among diabetics, establishing a clear connection. Additionally, research has found that high-fat diets are associated with a greater risk of bacterial vaginosis (BV) and more severe cases.
Of course, you can still enjoy your favourite foods, but balance is key to a healthy diet. Incorporating fermented foods high in natural probiotics is good for your gut and vaginal flora.
Natural probiotics include foods like yoghurt, kefir, sauerkraut, and kimchi. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins supports the immune system and overall health and contributes to a balanced diet.
Including probiotics in one's diet has been shown to improve the balance of bacteria in the vagina and reduce the risk of BV. Some studies have found that lactobacilli strains, such as Lactobacillus rhamnosus GR-1 and Lactobacillus fermentum RC-14, have a positive effect on vaginal health by promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria and reducing the presence of harmful microorganisms. These strains may be available from probiotic supplements making it easier to include them into your routine.
Garlic contains a natural antibiotic called allicin, so a garlic-rich diet may also be helpful. You can also supplement allicin with odourless capsules. Some women use garlic-infused coconut oil as a home remedy but remember to test a small area for irritation first.
Step-3 Avoiding Irritants
Avoiding vaginal irritants is a simple strategy to manage bacterial vaginosis (BV) and support overall vaginal health. Many products commonly used for personal care can disrupt the delicate balance of bacteria within the vaginal environment.
Harsh soaps, bubble baths, and scented sanitary products are notorious for altering the natural pH and irritating sensitive skin. Using detergents free from perfumes and dyes when washing underwear can also help prevent potential irritation.
Some feminine sprays are also linked with disturbances in the natural flora, increasing the risk of BV. Additionally, choosing breathable, non-restrictive clothing helps maintain a healthy environment by preventing excess moisture accumulation.
It's advisable to avoid douches altogether because studies have linked them to adverse health outcomes for women that go far beyond BV.
Step-4 Safe Sexual Practices
Taking precautions when you have sex is another way to avoid the risk of bacterial vaginosis (BV) and promote long-term vaginal health. Simply ensuring your partner has washed their hands before touching you can make a world of difference.
Using condoms consistently and correctly during sexual activity can significantly lower the risk of altering the natural bacterial balance of the vagina. Limiting the number of sexual partners and having open, honest discussions with partners about sexual health can further protect against BV and other infections. It's also important to avoid using spermicides and lubricants that contain nonoxynol-9, as studies have shown over exposure can cause irritation and disrupt the vaginal ecosystem.
Step-5 Seeking Professional Treatment
The steps above are great ways to keep your vagina happy and healthy, but if you are already experiencing symptoms, it is best to get treatment to avoid secondary health complications. Although the methods above will help restore your vaginal flora to an optimum level, it’s unclear how long it may take if you already have an infection and there is little point in risking further health challenges.
Consulting a healthcare provider at the onset of symptoms ensures accurate diagnosis through testing and enables treatment plans tailored to individual needs. Healthcare professionals may prescribe antibiotics such as metronidazole or clindamycin to treat BV and restore the natural vaginal flora quickly.
Final thoughts
Vaginal health should be discussed openly and lightheartedly to spread awareness and support women in times of need. At the same time, it should be taken seriously because it can have broader health implications.
Your vaginal flora is a delicate environment that requires harmonious balance. Keeping your vagina happy is easy with mindful practices. Biobalance is here to help you achieve harmony without fuss or worry.
